Kenyans sweep in Singapore

The second edition of the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) took to the roads of Singapore on Sunday (4), with a record-breaking 65,000 runners starting at three different start points in the early morning. Kenya once again dominated Marathon contests with 35-year-old Charles Mwai Kanyao winning the men's title, and last year's winner, Irene Jerotich Kosgei, retaining her crown in the women's race.

For Kanyao who signed up on his own, the win is a sweet one as it is also his first major marathon win. Kanyao crossed the finish line with a time of 2:14:33.75, while compatriots Luka Kipkemoi Chelimo and John Kelai followed behind with a finishing time of 2:14:38.75 and 2:15:45.65 respectively.

Kanyao was awarded with US$50,000 for the victory. Kanyao said of his win, “It is not easy to win. I trained very hard for this race. The race was difficult but I did my best. It's my first time in Singapore and I'm glad I came here and won the race.”

Kosgei emerged top of the leaderboard with a time of 2:36:42.39, almost one minute ahead of Roman Gebregessesse who finished with a time of 2:37:30.74. Magadelene Mukunzi completed the top three with a time of 2:38:06.50. Kosgei went home with prize money of US$50,000 as well.

Kosgei said, “At the 35km I took the leap all through, in the sense that I did the same thing last year. As I am familiar with the course, I knew which routes were hard to run, and which were easy. All in all, I am very happy with myself.”